Every writer starts with a blank page, but the best writers know they don’t have to face it alone. In 2025, the world of online writing classes has never been more accessible, with courses that fit every style, schedule, and budget. Whether you’re polishing an essay, drafting a novel, or simply trying to build a daily writing habit, there’s an online class tailored for you.
The beauty of writing classes online is flexibility. You can learn from bestselling authors, university professors, or publishing professionals without ever leaving home. Some programs offer hands-on feedback and community, while others let you go at your own pace. From online creative writing classes to professional workshops in nonfiction and copywriting, there’s a wealth of options to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the 10 best online writing classes in 2025. Spanning free platforms, intensive programs, and everything in between. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a hobby writer, or someone looking to sharpen professional communication skills, these courses will give you the structure, support, and inspiration to take your writing further.
Why Take Online Writing Classes in 2025?
Writing may be a solitary craft, but learning how to write doesn’t have to be. Online writing classes give you access to expert instruction, practical tools, and global communities of writers, all from the comfort of home. And in 2025, the options are better than ever.
One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. With online writing classes, you can learn on your own schedule. Whether you’re working a full-time job, raising a family, or just prefer writing at midnight, you can find a class that fits your rhythm. Many platforms offer self-paced lessons, while others provide live sessions if you prefer accountability and interaction.
Another reason is access to expertise. Ten years ago, you’d have to live in New York or London to study with bestselling authors or top universities. Now, thanks to platforms like MasterClass, Coursera, and The Novelry, you can learn directly from Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, or faculty at the University of Iowa—without leaving your living room.
Online writing classes also provide community and feedback, which are invaluable for growth. Sites like Scribophile and Gotham Writers Workshop give you a network of fellow writers who can critique your work, cheer you on, and help you refine your craft.
Finally, many classes are surprisingly affordable (or even free). Platforms like Reedsy Learning, Coursera’s audit option, and NaNoWriMo’s online community make it possible to learn without breaking the bank. This democratization of education means you don’t need thousands of dollars or a fancy MFA program to become a better writer.
Your Publishing Journey Awaits – Start NowWhat to Look For in an Online Writing Class
With so many writing classes online in 2025, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news is that most courses fall into a few categories, and the “best” choice really depends on what you need as a writer. Here are some key things to keep in mind before enrolling.
Instructor expertise matters. Some of the best online creative writing classes are taught by award-winning authors or professors from top universities. Others are led by publishing professionals who can teach the business side of writing. Think about what you want to learn – craft, storytelling, editing, or career skills – and choose an instructor with the right background.
Format is important too. Do you prefer self-paced lessons you can do whenever you want, or do you thrive in live sessions where you can ask questions and interact? Platforms like Skillshare and Udemy lean toward flexibility, while programs like Gotham Writers Workshop or LitReactor are structured around live workshops and real-time feedback.
Feedback opportunities can make or break your experience. Some classes, like those on Scribophile or Gotham, build feedback directly into the structure. Others, like MasterClass, offer inspiration and craft lessons but leave practice and critique up to you. Decide how much hands-on guidance you want.
Cost is another factor. While premium programs like The Novelry or Writer’s Digest University can be pricey, many free online writing classes exist through platforms like Reedsy Learning, Coursera (audit mode), or NaNoWriMo. Beginners may want to start with free or low-cost classes before committing to a bigger investment.
Finally, community is worth considering. Writing can be lonely, and the best courses often provide peer groups, forums, or communities that help you stay motivated. For many writers, this sense of belonging is just as valuable as the instruction itself.
10 Best Online Writing Classes in 2025
Below you’ll find the top online writing courses offered in 2025.
1. MasterClass (Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Roxane Gay & more)
MasterClass is one of the most polished platforms out there, offering beautifully produced video courses from world-famous authors. Instead of assignments and peer reviews, it focuses on giving you direct insight into how masters of the craft think and work.
Best feature: High-quality video lessons from bestselling authors.
Best for: Writers seeking inspiration and storytelling techniques straight from literary icons.
💰 Paid – Annual subscription required.
2. Coursera – Creative Writing Specialization (University of Iowa & others)
Coursera brings university-level writing education online, with structured modules covering plot, character, and style. The University of Iowa’s Creative Writing Specialization is a standout, offering both free audit options and paid certificates.
Best feature: Structured, academic-style curriculum with optional certification.
Best for: Writers who want university-level instruction and credentials.
🆓 +💰 Free & Paid – Audit for free; pay for certificates and graded assignments.
3. Skillshare Writing Courses
Skillshare offers thousands of practical, bite-sized classes across fiction, poetry, essays, blogging, and more. With a free trial available, it’s a flexible way to explore different areas of writing without committing to one instructor or style.
Best feature: Huge library of short, practical lessons.
Best for: Beginners and hobby writers looking for variety and flexibility.
🆓 +💰 Free Trial + Paid Subscription – First month often free, then monthly/annual fee.
4. Gotham Writers Workshop (Online)
Gotham is one of the most respected names in creative writing education. Its online classes are live and instructor-led, with real-time interaction, peer critiques, and deadlines that mimic a traditional classroom experience.
Best feature: Live classes with instructor guidance and accountability.
Best for: Writers who want structure, deadlines, and detailed feedback.
💰 Paid – Individual courses priced per session.
5. Reedsy Learning
Reedsy Learning offers short, free email-based courses created by publishing professionals. Topics range from creative writing techniques to book marketing tips, delivered in easy-to-digest lessons.
Best feature: Professional insights delivered in accessible, bite-sized lessons.
Best for: Beginners or indie authors who want to learn practical skills without cost.
🆓 Free – 100% free mini-courses via email.
6. Writer’s Digest University
A long-standing authority in the writing world, Writer’s Digest University offers in-depth courses covering fiction, nonfiction, editing, and publishing. These are more formal and comprehensive than most, designed for writers who want a professional edge.
Best feature: Detailed courses that balance creative craft with professional development.
Best for: Writers aiming to improve both their storytelling and career skills.
💰 Paid – Courses are individually priced (often mid- to high-range).
7. Udemy Writing Courses
Udemy is known for its affordability and massive variety. You’ll find courses on everything from creative writing to copywriting and technical writing. Classes are self-paced, and frequent sales make them extremely budget-friendly.
Best feature: Wide range of affordable, self-paced classes.
Best for: Writers on a budget who want flexibility and control over what they learn.
💰 Paid (Low Cost) – Individual courses often $10–$30 during sales.
8. The Novelry
The Novelry is a premium platform focused entirely on novel writing. It offers step-by-step programs, mentorship, and professional editorial guidance, making it one of the most intensive options available.
Best feature: Structured novel-writing programs with expert mentorship.
Best for: Serious novelists committed to finishing and refining a manuscript.
💰 Paid (Premium) – Higher-cost subscription or program fees.
9. LitReactor
LitReactor delivers interactive, workshop-style classes taught by published authors. With its strong focus on critique and community, it replicates the feel of an MFA-style workshop in an online space.
Best feature: Workshop-style classes with hands-on feedback.
Best for: Writers who thrive on critique, collaboration, and community.
💰 Paid – Courses priced individually.
10. FutureLearn – Creative Writing Courses (Global Universities)
FutureLearn partners with universities around the world to offer structured creative writing programs. Many courses can be accessed for free, with an upgrade option for certificates and extended access.
Best feature: University-led creative writing classes with global perspectives.
Best for: Writers who prefer academic-style learning but want affordable entry options.
🆓 +💰 Free & Paid – Join most classes for free; pay for certificates.
Best Online Creative Writing Classes in 2025
While there are plenty of general writing classes online, sometimes you want to focus specifically on storytelling: building characters, writing vivid descriptions, or finally finishing that novel. These are the standout online creative writing classes in 2025 that are designed to spark imagination and sharpen craft.
MasterClass (Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Roxane Gay & more)
If inspiration is what you’re after, MasterClass is hard to beat. These beautifully produced video courses let you learn directly from bestselling authors. It’s less about homework and more about absorbing insights into the creative process.
Best for: Writers who want inspiration and behind-the-scenes access to how world-class authors work.
💰 Paid (subscription).
Coursera – Creative Writing Specialization (University of Iowa)
For a more academic approach, Coursera’s specialization walks you through character, plot, and style across several structured modules. You can audit for free or pay for certification.
Best for: Writers who want structured, university-level learning in storytelling.
🆓 Free (audit) & Paid (certificates).
Skillshare Writing Courses
Skillshare offers thousands of creative writing classes. They cover everything from short stories to poetry. With lessons that are short and practical, it’s ideal for hobby writers who want flexibility and variety.
Best for: Beginners exploring creative writing without heavy time or cost commitments.
🆓 Free trial, then paid subscription.
The Novelry
The Novelry takes novel-writing seriously, guiding you from idea to completed manuscript with mentorship and editorial support. It’s one of the most intensive options for aspiring authors.
Best for: Novelists ready to commit to finishing and refining a book.
💰 Paid (premium).
LitReactor
LitReactor offers live, workshop-style classes taught by published authors. With peer critiques built in, it recreates the feel of an MFA program in an online format.
Best for: Writers who thrive on community feedback and structured workshops.
💰 Paid (per course).
FutureLearn – Creative Writing Courses (Global Universities)
FutureLearn partners with international universities to provide creative writing courses with both free and paid options. You can dip your toes in at no cost, or upgrade for certificates and extended access.
Best for: Writers who prefer academic-style creative writing instruction without the MFA price tag.
🆓 Free (basic) & Paid (certificates).
These online creative writing classes combine inspiration, structure, and community. Whether you want to learn from legends like Neil Gaiman, workshop your stories with peers, or follow a structured path to finishing a novel, there’s a class here designed to help you bring your stories to life.
Free & Affordable Online Writing Classes
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to improve your writing. In 2025, there are plenty of free writing classes online that give you access to professional instruction, structured lessons, and even global communities. Here are some of the best options that won’t break the bank:
Reedsy Learning
Reedsy’s mini-courses are 100% free and delivered straight to your inbox. Each course is designed by publishing professionals and covers everything from creative writing basics to self-publishing strategies. The lessons are short, practical, and easy to apply.
Best for: Beginners or indie authors who want professional advice in simple, digestible lessons.
🆓 Free.
Coursera – Audit Option
Most Coursera courses, including the University of Iowa’s Creative Writing Specialization, can be audited for free. This means you can access all the lectures and materials without paying—though graded assignments and certificates are only available with the paid version.
Best for: Writers who want structured, university-style instruction without the price tag.
🆓 Free (audit) & Paid (certificate).
FutureLearn – Creative Writing Courses
FutureLearn lets you join many of its courses for free. These include creative writing programs taught by global universities. The free version usually gives you access for a limited time, while upgrading unlocks certificates and extended course access.
Best for: Writers who prefer academic instruction and international perspectives.
🆓 Free (limited access) & Paid (upgrade).
NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
NaNoWriMo isn’t a traditional course, but its online community, forums, and free resources make it one of the most motivating environments for writers. Each November, the challenge is to hit 50,000 words, with year-round tools to keep you going.
Best for: Writers who need accountability, encouragement, and a community to help them finish a draft.
🆓 Free.
Skillshare (Free Trial)
While Skillshare is subscription-based, new users can access its library of writing classes free for the first month. This makes it a great short-term option if you want to sample different topics, from fiction to blogging.
Best for: Writers curious about creative writing, poetry, or essays who want to test-drive classes before committing.
🆓 Free trial, then paid.
Grammarly & Hemingway Editor (Free Tools)
Though not full-fledged classes, Grammarly’s free version and Hemingway Editor’s online tool can teach you a lot about sentence clarity, style, and grammar as you write. They’re excellent free companions to other courses.
Best for: Writers who want constant editing support while learning.
🆓 Free (with paid upgrades available).
FAQ: Online Writing Classes
Q: Are there free online writing classes?
Yes! In 2025, there are more free online writing classes than ever before. Platforms like Reedsy Learning offer professional, bite-sized lessons delivered straight to your inbox at no cost. Coursera and FutureLearn allow you to “audit” creative writing courses from top universities for free, with the option to pay for certificates if you want them. NaNoWriMo’s online community is also completely free, providing accountability and resources to help you draft 50,000 words in a month. And even though they aren’t full classes, tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor are free to use online and can help you learn about sentence clarity and style as you write.
Q: What are the best creative writing classes online?
The best online creative writing classes depend on your goals. If you want inspiration, MasterClass offers beautifully produced video lessons with authors like Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood. If you’re looking for structure, Coursera’s Creative Writing Specialization from the University of Iowa is one of the most respected programs, and it can be audited for free. For serious novelists, The Novelry provides premium programs with mentorship and editorial support to help you finish your book. Writers who prefer community and feedback should check out LitReactor or Gotham Writers Workshop, which replicate the feel of a traditional creative writing workshop online.
Q: Do online writing classes really help improve your writing?
Yes—if you choose the right class and put in the practice. Online writing classes give you tools, structure, and sometimes direct feedback that you can’t always get on your own. They can help you learn techniques for storytelling, grammar, editing, or even publishing. But the real key is consistency: watching lessons won’t make you a better writer unless you apply what you’ve learned. For many, the accountability of a class, combined with guidance from experts, makes it much easier to stay disciplined and keep improving.
Q: How long do online writing classes usually take?
The length of writing classes online varies widely. Some, like Reedsy’s mini-courses or Skillshare classes, take only a few days or hours to complete. University-level programs on Coursera or FutureLearn can span several weeks, with weekly assignments. Intensive options like The Novelry or Writer’s Digest University may last months, especially if they include mentorship or novel-length projects. The good news is that many platforms offer both short-term and long-term courses, so you can pick what fits your schedule.
Q: What’s the difference between creative writing classes and professional writing classes online?
Creative writing classes focus on storytelling—fiction, poetry, memoirs, and other forms of imaginative writing. They help you with character development, world-building, dialogue, and narrative style. Professional writing classes online, on the other hand, are designed for nonfiction skills like business writing, copywriting, technical writing, or academic writing. Many writers take both: creative courses to unlock imagination and professional ones to strengthen clarity and communication in work or study.
